In the Long Run

Finally it seems that spring may be here. Along with the urge to plant some flowers, we should all take the time to stop and smell the roses.

Sometimes we are so busy with all the things that we think are so necessary, that we don’t necessarily think about some things that we should never be too busy for. These things are roses in our lives that we should not neglect or ignore.

So take the time to read an inspiring book, take a long, leisurely walk, play a game with your family, receive soul-soothing pleasure in the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, laugh with a friend, and meditate on the meaning of the flag, as it flutters in the breeze. Smile. Eat an ice cream cone. Hug a baby. Sit in the grass barefoot and wiggle your toes. Dance as you make dinner. Smell a rose.

We should be diligent in accomplishing all of the needful things of life, but we should not become so stressed or busy that we fail to find simple joy in our lives. This, too, is needful.

“And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength…..” (Mosiah 4:27)

Take time to stop and smell the roses!

Posted by Cyppy at 12:13 PM  2 comments

Many years ago Big Guy made a present for me in his Church nursery class. It consisted of the following poem pasted on a paper plate under which were his handprints in poster paint:

Sometimes you get discouraged,

Because I am so small

And always leave my fingerprints

On furniture and walls.

 But every day I'm growing.

 I'll be grown some day

 And all those tiny handprints

 Will surely fade away.

 So here's a little handprint,

 Just so you can recall

 Exactly how my fingers looked

 When I was very small.

Big Guy's chubby toddler hands have grown into man hands and fingers that stretch a full octave, and two keys more, on the piano keyboard. A week ago he performed in his Senior recital. Although I've attended many recitals, I don't think I've ever been able to clearly see his hands like I could this time. I was fascinated and awed by the intricate fingering and powerful movement up and down the keyboard as he played DeBussy and Rachmaninof. He was dramatic, yet controlled. Poignant, yet precise. Those hands, once very small, were masterful.

You deserve a big hand, Big Guy. Thanks for sharing your splendid talent with us.

Posted by Cyppy at 5:36 PM  2 comments

The week in Utah was wonderful. Yes, there were some exhausting nights, but there were some delightful days. Annachka (my son’s diminutive for his daughter) is a sweet baby who does have her fussy moments, but is a joy nonetheless. It was a pleasure to take care of her.

Many family members gathered for her blessing on Easter Sunday, and that was a special occasion. How thrilling and gratifying it was to see my son, the father, assume his parental and religious duties with humble aplomb.

We all took turns doting on The Little Princess. Even Big Guy took his turn feeding her.As I watched him holding her, I was struck with one of those epiphanic moments. Family is what matters. Families can be forever.

Posted by Cyppy at 9:04 PM  3 comments